2. Recycle. We know, you’ve heard it a thousand times. But when you think of throwing something “away”, remember, there is no “away”. It goes somewhere, and you may not like where it ends up. Besides being unsightly, trash often ends up badly for birds and other wildlife. Don’t assume that all your trash gets neatly tucked away. See http://www.plasticoceans.net/. For a good summary of the problems inherent in plastic bag waste and additional resource links, check out www.reusethisbag.com.

3. Buy shade-grown coffee. There is a worldwide effort to educate and support coffee growers who grow their crop organically and underneath the canopy of the tropical forest instead of clear-cutting. We are doing all we can in North America to conserve habitat for migratory birds, but it will all be for naught if we don’t do all within our power to conserve habitat on their wintering grounds. The Smithsonian’s Migratory Bird Center provides more information and lists of sources from which you can purchase.

4. Lessen your use (and consumption) of chemicals. Pesticides, herbicides, and other household and agricultural chemicals are not only bad for birds, they’re bad for you.